Big onion relief for Kolkata? Kanda Express to arrive with buffer stock tomorrow

The arrival is expected to facilitate the faster movement of larger quantities of onions and further strengthen availability in Kolkata and adjoining districts, particularly ahead of the festive season, according to a government statement.

Around 1,400 metric tonnes (MT) of onions have already been distributed across West Bengal through NAFED and NCCF mobile vans at ₹35 per kg, mainly using road transport.

With the arrival of the Kanda Express, additional quantities will be transported more efficiently, helping improve market availability and ease seasonal price pressures.

The distribution of onions from the incoming consignment is being planned across Kolkata and adjoining districts, with a focus on maximising the impact of the intervention on prevailing retail prices.

In Kolkata, retail sales are currently being carried out at more than 25 locations, including major markets such as Koley Market, Mechua Mandi, Maniktala Market, Rampuria Market and Shyambazar Market.

The Government is also exploring the possibility of selling buffer-stock onions through Sufal Bangla, which would provide consumers with additional points of access and expand the reach of the intervention.

The Kolkata-bound Kanda Express is part of the Government's ongoing strategy of calibrated release of onions from the PSF buffer stock through a hybrid rail-and-road transportation network.

The targeted disposal of buffer-stock onions through NAFED and NCCF began on August 24, 2026, with supplies being progressively sent to different parts of the country based on market requirements.

So far, buffer-stock onions have been supplied to more than 100 cities across the country. The use of both rail and road transport has enabled the Government to move larger quantities while responding to regional requirements in a timely manner.

Increased availability has also started easing price pressures in several parts of the country. During the past week, retail onion prices remained stable or declined in 17 States and Union Territories, indicating improved market availability following the buffer-stock interventions.

Among the States and Union Territories where onion prices declined over the past week are Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Bihar.

The Government is continuing to monitor onion availability and prices across major consuming markets and undertaking calibrated releases from the buffer stock, as required, to improve availability and moderate seasonal price pressures.

Further supplies are likely to be sent to different markets based on local requirements, including during the upcoming festive season.